Compared to my Stumpjumper, I definitely feel more "in" than "on" this bike (partly because I don't have to raise the seatpost so much). Easily adjustable travel on the fork is great and the geometry at the 115mm setting definitely keeps the front end planted on steep, techie climbs. On the descents, the full 160mm of travel and relatively slack angles inspire a lot of confidence and make you feel like a much better rider than you are. I have done a 24-hour race on this bike (albeit in a team of 4) and done some well known UK downhill tracks on it also (e.g. Cwm Carn) and it's coped admirably with both scenarios. You definitely need to ride technical, rocky descents to get the most out of this bike, though. For a lot of general trail riding, it's overkill.